Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has intensified preparations to tackle the upcoming summer heatwave, announcing a series of preventive measures across the state.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has directed the state’s Energy Department to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during peak summer, stressing that power cuts must be avoided as temperatures begin to rise.
Authorities have already prepared heatwave action plans for all 30 districts of Odisha, including the Twin City of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Similar preparedness plans have also been put in place for several municipal areas.
As part of the mitigation measures, drinking water kiosks will be set up at busy public locations such as markets and bus stands, while water tankers will be deployed to supply drinking water to areas facing shortages.
Hospitals across the state have been instructed to maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines, saline and ORS to manage heat-related illnesses. The Labour Department has also been asked to regulate work schedules, advising against outdoor labour during peak afternoon heat.
Meanwhile, state and district control rooms are functioning round the clock to monitor conditions and coordinate emergency responses if needed as the state prepares for a potentially intense summer.
